James Milner was Raheem Sterling's worst nightmare as the left-back produced a faultless performance against his old club.

City had 57% possession but did precious little with it. Simon Mignolet didn't have a serious save to make all night.

Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool powers home the only goal (Image: 2016 Getty Images)

Klopp sprung a surprise with his line-up as Emre Can was brought in at the expense of Divock Origi.

Adam Lallana started on the left of a front three with the tireless Roberto Firmino returned to the No 9 role where he did so much damage earlier in the campaign.

It was harsh on Origi, who had performed so well against Stoke, but it was a tactical tweak which worked a treat.

The inclusion of Can added more bite to Liverpool's midfield. The Germany international shone alongside captain Jordan Henderson as they outworked and outplayed City duo Yaya Toure and Fernandinho.

Can's presence gave Wijnaldum a licence to venture forward more than usual and the Dutchman made it count inside eight minutes.

Firmino sent Lallana scampering away down the left and his cross was inch perfect. Wijnaldum soared above Aleksandar Kolarov to power an unstoppable header beyond Claudio Bravo.

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Anfield erupted. Wijnaldum deserved his hero status. He's been a massive hit since his summer move from Newcastle but much of his work has gone under the radar. This was a matchwinning contribution.

Once in front Liverpool went on to boss the opening 45 minutes.

Sergio Aguero sliced one effort wide after weaving into space but for the most part the returning City frontman was subdued.

Klavan passed the biggest test of his Reds career with flying colours. Booked early on for a foul on Aguero, the experienced Estonian had no room for error. He had to time his challenges to perfection and didn't disappoint.

Just as Liverpool have coped without Philippe Coutinho, they have also proved they can win without Joel Matip. They have strength in depth.

It proved to be another chastening return to Anfield for Sterling. His every touch was booed mercilessly as the Kop bellowed: 'There's only one greedy *******.'

Liverpool's confidence was epitomised by the sight of Mignolet racing out of his box and calming clipping the ball over Aguero.

When the relentless pressing of Lallana and Firmino forced John Stones to play it back to Bravo, Anfield voiced its approval.

The pace of the game was simply too much for Toure, who looked like a pensioner in this kind of company.

Liverpool were all over the Ivorian and when he coughed up possession just before the break they should have made him pay. Frustratingly, Firmino delayed the pass and Lallana had strayed offside.

City had to improve in the second half and they did. Guardiola's side were given a helping hand by some sloppy mistakes. It was all too frenetic.

Anxiety levels in the stands continued to rise as City enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure. Aguero's strike was easy for Mignolet before David Silva drilled just wide. When Wijnaldum cleared straight to De Bruyne, the nerves were jangling still further.